Arrested at Edinburgh Castle for being gay in the Army

Until the year 2000, it was illegal to be gay while serving in the British Armed Forces, leading many to be thrown out of the military for their sexuality.

A year ago an apology for their treatment was issued after an independent review recommended that the UK government make reparations - including giving compensation - but that is yet to happen.

Paul Wilson joined the Army band aged 15 - unaware then of his sexuality. His career was brought to an abrupt end when officers found out he was gay.

He was subsequently arrested, held in the jail at Edinburgh Castle and later dismissed from service.

A spokesperson for the UK government said it "deeply regrets" the treatment of LGBT service personnel and that it has been working to implement a number of reparations.

Video by Morgan Spence and Angela Carr

19 July 2024

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